Elegant Country House Hotel & Restaurant For Sale

Business description

The Horn of Plenty is both an internationally well known restaurant and a fine country hotel in an elegant and well proportioned Georgian house dating back to the 1830’s. Built for the Duke of Bedford, Marquis of Tavistock, it remained a private residence until 1967, whilst the coach-house was converted to provide 6 valuable en suite letting bedrooms in 1986. A further 4 luxuriously appointed bedrooms were created in the main house in 2000. Approached along a private drive, the wisteria clad main house has glorious views from the restaurant, vine terrace and letting bedrooms, across the gardens and rolling countryside in the foothills of Dartmoor overlooking the Tamar Valley. It is clear that the property was originally built to benefit from its beautiful surroundings and lovely views.

The business is well signposted and occupies a strategic position just off the A390 in the hamlet of Gulworthy, approximately 3 miles west of the ancient market town of Tavistock, on the Devon/Cornwall border. This is an ideal base for Dartmoor, and guests visit on short breaks for country pursuits such as golf, riding, fishing and walking, whilst the south coast and beaches and The Eden Project are within a short drive. Plymouth, with its expanding population (260,000), business parks, airport, National Marine Aquarium and regular mainline railway to London, Paddington, is just 12 miles away. There is a wealth of local all year trade with many local companies needing an exclusive hotel/restaurant and conference venue at boardroom level, for which the Horn of Plenty is absolutely perfect. Much of the success of the non-resident restaurant trade is due to the regular patronage of customers who live within a 30 mile radius.

Since they bought The Horn of Plenty in 1999, the owners have spent a great deal of time and money bringing the hotel up to the very highest standards. This has included creating 4 new luxury bedrooms with stunning en suite bathrooms in the main house as well as refurbishing the garden rooms. They have also completely remodelled the reception lounge and refurbished the beautifully appointed restaurant, as well as remarketing the business. The hotel enjoys many deserved accolades today, however much of the hotel’s marketing is now directed towards increasing the accommodation. As the owners live nearly 200 miles away, The Horn of Plenty is fully staffed and managed and it has been decided to offer this highly respected and profitable business for sale, so that new owners can continue its success and enjoy the way of life that this charming property, home and surroundings provides. There is no doubt that this is one of the most prestigious country house hotels in the South West and, as such, is a rarely available opportunity on the open market.


THE PROPERTY
This fine detached Georgian country house and the coach-house are principally constructed of stone under slate roofs. The accommodation is arranged on ground and first floors with basement cellars.

PUBLIC AREAS
Steps lead through an entrance porch into the Entrance Hall and an inner Reception Hall with timber floor and reception desk. Residents’ Lounge with Adam style fireplace and opening into a bay window with concealed shutters. Reception Lounge with further bay window, granite fireplace and glazed door opening on to the vine Terrace, for al fresco dining, and a wide archway leading into the Restaurant. This is a charming and comfortable room for up to 60 covers with magnificent picture windows affording views of the Tamar Valley and moors in the distance. A fine period staircase leads to the landing with a private Library/Conference Room for 16-30 theatre style.

LETTING BEDROOMS
Main House – 4 luxury double bedrooms, all en suite with king size beds, are superbly appointed and elegantly furnished, and 2 have very large balconies giving delightful countryside views.

The Coach-House - 6 letting bedrooms (double or twin) to sleep 12. 4 bedrooms have en suite bathroom, and 2 en suite shower/wc. All the letting bedrooms are comfortably furnished with king size beds (zip & link for conversion to twin beds) in the country house style and have balconies overlooking the walled garden, lawns and Tamar Valley and are equipped with direct dial telephone, colour television, clock radio, hot beverage courtesy tray, hair dryer, and mini bar.

STAFF ACCOMMODATION
1 bedroom with shower/wc. Office (which could be converted to a second staff bedroom if wished).

SERVICE AREAS
Kitchen with wash up and prep room, cold room, pantry, boiler room, linen store, laundry, wine cellar and office.

OUTSIDE
The hotel is approached by a sweeping drive which opens to a turning circle and parking area to the front and side of the main property and coach-house. The public rooms and bedrooms overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens and mature grounds which include a walled lawned garden, kitchen garden and orchard. Garage and garden store. Guest and separate staff car park. In all, extending to approximately 4 acres (unmeasured).

SERVICES
West Dev
on Borough Council at Tavistock
Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Heating and cooking are by propane gas.

LICENCE
The Horn of Plenty holds a Premises Licence and Civil Marriage Licence

2009 LISTINGS
AA 3 Star 3 Rosettes Merit 85% Hotel

PHOTOGRAPHS
Some of the photographs have been supplied by the owner and may not be current.

TRADE
A Trading and Profit and Loss Account prepared by the owners for the year ended 31 March 2009 shows turnover £833,862 net of VAT, run under management.

PRICE
£1.5 million for the freehold property complete with good will and trade contents (according to inventory) but excluding personal items. Stock at valuation.

FINANCE
Colliers Robert Barry is able to assist prospective purchasers by introducing sources of finance if required. Whilst we do not charge the buyer for this service, we may receive an introductory commission from the lender or broker involved.

TO VIEW
All appointments to view MUST be made through the vendors' agents who are acting with sole selling rights.

Property information

Property:

Freehold

Other information

Website:

www.thehornofplenty.co.uk